Nishiki Sugawara-Beda

Word Terminal

September 7–October 13

Word Terminal is a group of sensitively-layered mixed-media paintings and delicately-arranged paper
sculptural installations by Idaho-based artist Nishiki Sugawara-Beda. Collectively,
these works reflect upon the intimate, complex relationships between written language
and visual image.

Informed by personal experiences and experimentation with the traditional materials
and forms of Japanese calligraphy, Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting), and printed seals,
Sugawara-Beda’s exhibition offers a cross-cultural invitation to explore the intellectual
and embodied dimensions of reading text and image.

Nishiki Sugawara-Beda immigrated from Japan to the US as a young adult and has exhibited
her artwork nationally and internationally. She received a BA from Portland State
University and MFA in Painting from Indiana University (2010). She is currently Assistant
Professor of Art at University of Idaho.

Sugawara-Beda's exhibition is supported by Idaho Commission on the Arts and National
Endowment for the Arts.

The suspended paper sculptural installation in the exhibition, Kotodama Converse (detail above), takes the domed form of a group of floating, printed Mobius strips into which the
viewer physically enters, figuratively completing the artwork by moving through it.
Sugawara-Beda views the installation as an artwork in its own right while also providing
a contemplative entrance point for viewing the subtleties of her calligraphic and
Sumi-e inspired paintings.